Getting Started

This tutorial will step you through selecting your files for online data backup. We suggest you leave your web browser open when following these instructions. You may want to minimize or close other applications.

Step 1 – Getting Started with backup.com

backup.com has added some useful icons and options to your computer.

Windows Taskbar Icon

Tray Icon – Double-clicking this icon (located in the lower right of your desktop) will launch the backup.com main application. Right clicking on it will display a menu of useful items.

Right-click – This feature allows you to add or remove files from your backup set with a click of your mouse.

Backup Neighborhood – This allows you to view and restore the files you have previously backed up. You can also manage your backup schedule and communication settings.

To start using backup.com to protect your important file and data, you must:

  1. Select files and folders for backup
  2. Determine your backup schedule
  3. Confirm your Internet Connection settings
  4. Complete your first backup

Step 2 – What Data Should I Backup?

We recommend backing up only those files that cannot be easily replaced. Generally, these are files that you create and save to your hard drive. Files you create will usually have a name that you assign.

Do Backup

It is important to backup your personal files such as those:

  • Created and/or named by you
  • Difficult to replace, like your finances
  • Used frequently, like your web browser bookmarks/favorites
  • Priceless, like your digital videos and photos
Examples
  • Reports
  • Résumé
  • Photos
  • Music
  • Presentations
  • Budgets
Don't Backup

It is not as necessary to backup operating system files or programs such as:

  • Operating system (Windows® XP) files
  • Applications or program files and settings (with the .EXE, .DLL, or .INI extensions)
  • Temporary files (with the .TMP extension)
  • Scan Disk error files (with the .CHK extension)
Examples
  • Program data
  • Executables
  • Program Files
  • Settings
  • Zip archives

Step 3 – Selecting Files and Folders for Backup

backup.com offers many useful ways to select which files to backup and to manage your backup set. Use the File Selection Guide below to help you find your important data.

Selecting Files With Your Mouse

You can select your important files and folders for off-site backup with the click of your mouse.

  1. Locate the file(s) or folder(s) you want to backup
  2. Right-click it to view the shortcut menu
  3. Select the option "Add to Daily Backup"
  4. Repeat the same steps for all the files or folders you would like to backup

This will add the file or folder and its contents to your scheduled backup set.

When you add new files to a folder selected for backup, the files are added to the backup set. If you remove files from a folder selected for backup, the files are removed from your backup set.

Selecting Files With the backup.com Application

Open the backup.com software program by double-clicking the Tray Icon (located in the lower right of your desktop.)

  1. Choose the backup button to display a tree view of your hard drive.
  2. To select an entire folder, click on the white box next to it. A check mark with a white background will appear. Now all contents in this folder are selected for backup.
  3. Click the Save button on the toolbar once all items are selected.

A check in a white box means that all the contents of the folder are selected for backup.

A check in a gray box means only certain contents of the folder that selected for backup.

Important Note: backup.com will retain your data for 90 days from the date the last backup was performed. If you remove a file or folder from the backup set, it will be available for 90 days after you last backed it up, and is then automatically removed off our system.

Step 4 – How Many Files am I Backing Up?

You may determine the amount of data selected for remote backup in the backup.com software program.

  1. Double-click the the Tray Icon to launch the backup.com application.
  2. Choose the backup button.
  3. The amount selected for backup will appear at the bottom right hand corner of the window, below the Start Backup button.
How Can I Deselect Files and Folders?

You can remove files and folders from your backup set by removing the check marks. The indicator at the bottom of the screen will adjust appropriately.

If you selected more files than are allowed for your service level, you will need to deselect files from your backup set. Or, you can upgrade your service by visiting the Sign In section.

Step 5 – Determine your Backup Schedule

After selecting your backup set, choose a backup schedule. backup.com is scheduled to automatically run everyday. To change the backup schedule:

  1. Right-click on the Backup Neighborhood icon located on your desktop
  2. Click the Schedule tab
Manual Backup

If your computer is not always on, a Manual Backup recommended. You can set a reminder and backup.com will prompt you to complete a backup. To start a manual backup:

  1. Right-click the Tray Icon (located in the lower right of your desktop)
  2. Select the Start Backup option
Schedule Backup

If you would like your computer to backup automatically, choose a scheduled backup. You should schedule your backup to occur when your computer is turned on and the files/programs you have selected for backup are closed. To set a schedule:

  1. Right-click the Backup Neighborhood icon located on your desktop
  2. Choose the Schedule tab
  3. Select days and times

Make sure your computer is on and any power management features that place the computer into sleep or hibernation mode are disabled.

Remember: You can always run a manual backup by right-clicking the Tray Icon and selecting the Start Backup option.

Step 6 – Confirm your Internet Connection

backup.com will automatically and securely connect to our remote servers using your Internet Connection. To setup you Internet Connection with Backup:

  1. Right-click the Backup Neighborhood
  2. Click the Communications tab
Permanent Internet Connection

Select this option if your computer is always connected to the Internet through a cable modem, DSL, fiber/T1 line, or a local area network.

If your Internet provider requires you to use custom software such as AOL or Juno, you will need to select this option. These providers do not allow third party applications such as backup.com to automatically connect to the Internet. You will need to schedule your automated backups for a time when you are online, or run manual backups.

Dial-Up Internet Connection

Select this option if your computer connects to the Internet using your phone line. Select the proper dial-up connection in the drop down menu and enter the user name and password for your ISP.

Step 7 – Complete your First Backup

Now that you have selected your files and set a schedule, it is important to complete your first backup. You may wait for the scheduled backup time, or perform a manual backup. To start your first online backup now:

  1. Close all files and programs that are selected for backup
  2. Right-click the Backup icon in your task bar tray (located in the lower right of your desktop)
  3. Select the Start Backup option

Depending on the amount of data being protected and the speed of your Internet connection, your first backup may take some time. We recommend letting it run until completion.

The good news is that your future backups will take less time, as only the changes in your backup set will be backed up.

Backup Complete

After every online backup you will get message confirming that your files are backed up and protected.